Non-scheduled maintenance
1. Wheel bearings will wear over a period of time and result in handling problems.
2. Support the motorcycle upright using the centrestand if fitted, or an auxiliary stand, and support it so that the wheel being checked is off the ground (remove the belly pan and anything else that could be damaged before placing a support under the engine). Check for any play in the bearings by pushing and pulling the wheel against the axle (see illustration). Also spin the wheel and check that it rotates smoothly.
3. If any play is detected in the hub, or if the wheel does not rotate smoothly (and this is not due to brake or transmission drag), the wheel bearings must be removed and inspected for wear or damage (see Chapter 7).